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Matagorda County Obituaries S |
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Zachary Joseph Sampay-Rodgers, 12, of Palacios passed away January 17, 2026. He was born April 19, 2013. Survivors include his parents Mallory Sampay (Isaac Smith) and Brandon Rodgers (Geneva Wilson); grandparents Thomas Lynn Dollins, Jr., Shelly Marie Beard, Stacey Sampay, Starlet Rodgers, James Place and Cecil Thomas Rodgers; great grandfather Thomas Dollins, Sr.; sisters Adalynn Williams, Elizabeth Marie Smith and Mia Kay Rodgers; brother Grayson Smith and a host of cousins, aunts, uncles and extended family and friends. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM Saturday, January 31, 2026 at the Palacios Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 2:00 PM.
Taylor Bros. Funeral Home |
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Danny Lee Savage, 89, of Markham, Texas passed away July 18, 2025. He was born in Waller, Texas on May 15, 1936 to the late Charles Vincent Savage and Flora Muriel Savage. He was a man who loved his family but also had a love for his black mouth Cur dogs and horses. His exceptional work ethic and dedication were evident in all he did, and he was respected by all who knew him. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his ex-wife Carol Calloway Savage Standlee, brothers David and Mark Savage, sister Bonne Savage Lightcap and granddaughter Casey Piwonka Gullo. Survivors include his wife Marilyn Savage, his daughters Linda Hatchett (Bowie), Dana Lara (Gary), Beverly Sulak, Charlotte Lara (Ricky) and sons Nolan Savage (Bridgett) and Nathan Savage (Kellie); sisters Lora Horton and Terry Dabelgott; brother John Paul Savage; and his surviving grandchildren Danny and Mikel Piwonka, Joshua and Jacob Lara, Jessica Lara Moya, Cody and Ethan Sulak, Mariss Lara Garcia, Sean Jordan Carillo, Blake and Savannah Savage, Drake, Jase and Avery Kibby along with numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM Thursday, July 24, 2025 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM with Rev. John Williams officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery.
Taylor Bros. Funeral Home |
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Joan Lenore Dill Schoelman, 81, of
New Taiton, passed away February 2, 2026. She was born
on August 6, 1944 in Palacios to the late Woodrow and
Mable Marie Cavallin Dill. Joan was a rural route mail
carrier for the U.S. Postal Service 32 years.
Triska Funeral Home |
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Our Lord and savior called Gary to his heavenly home on September 24th, 2025, at age of 85. He was born in Lewisville TX on September 26, 1939 to Homer Evans and Vera (Stratton) Sherrill. In 1950, his family moved to Steep Hollow Community in Brazos County where he grew up enjoying the Country Life of hunting fishing and helping with work on the family's chicken farm. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1958 and then served in the United States Army. He owned and operated Southwestern Marine in Bryan, TX for several years before moving to Matagorda, Texas where he began his business of Shoreline Construction until his passing. Gary mentored many teenagers in the area that he came in contact with through work or acquaintance and encouraged them to get an education and work hard to strive for a better way of life and giving back to the community. Gary was preceded in death by his parents Homer and Vera Stratton Sherrill and his brother-in-law Jack Kindt. He is survived by his daughter Brenda Goswick and husband Cameron of Sugarland: his son Mark A. Sherrill and his wife Jeanette of Baytown his sister Shirley Kindt of Bryan; grandchildren Connor Cook and wife Gabby: Cullen Cook, Jillian Goswick, Drayton Evans Sherrill and wife Katelynn and Reagan Sherrill; Great Grandchildren, Kendall and Jordan Cook. The family extends our heartfelt appreciation to Linda Serrill for her dedication and loyalty to Shoreline Construction; to Fernando Hernandez and Ricardo Cabrera for their steadfast devotion to Gary over the years; to Joanne Griggs for her compassionate caregiving; and to each of Gary’s caregivers, whose love and excellent care will forever be remembered with gratitude. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM Monday, September 29, 2025 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM with Chris Webber officiating. Graveside services will be at 3:00 PM at Steep Hollow Cemetery in Bryan, Texas. The family kindly requests that memorials be made to Angels Care Hospice, 1605 7th Street, Bay City, TX 77414, or to a charity of your choice.
Taylor Bros. Funeral Home |
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James Thomas Shields, “Tom” to all
who knew and loved him, passed peacefully on August 5,
2025, at age 88, surrounded by his wife of 43 years and
many beloved family members. Visitation will be held at
First Baptist Church of Blessing beginning at 1:00 p.m.
on Saturday, August 16, 2025, with a memorial service
following at 2:00 p.m.
Triska Funeral Home |
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Rolando Silvas, 65, of Bay City, Texas, passed away Wednesday, November 5, 2025. He was born November 15, 1959, in Port Lavaca, Texas to Arturo Silvas and Santos Guerra Coronado. Rolando lived life to the fullest. He served in the army and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree from University of Houston. He loved cheering on his favorite teams, the Houston Astros and the Dallas Cowboys, whether from his couch or in the stands, always with an ice-cold Bud Light in hand. He found joy in the simple things: family, fishing, hunting, golfing, good music, and the company of his loyal dogs. Above all, Rolando cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren, watching them learn, grow, and make their own way in life. He is preceded in death by his parents, Arturo Silvas, Santos Guerra Coronado; siblings, Arturo Silvas Jr. and Rachel Silvas Llanes, and nephew, Kyle Silvas. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Linda Silvas; daughters, Brenda Morales, Anna Silvas Gustovich and Nina Hernandez; son, Roland Silvas Jr.; grandchildren, Robert Morales, Daniel Morales, Matthew Morales, Jonathan Morales, Arianna Silvas, Samantha Silvas, Emmanuel Silvas, Gabriel Silvas, Chloe Jane Hernandez, Hayes Rey Hernandez, and grand-dogs Leia, Kennedy, and Moose. His sister, Margie Silvas Sanchez; and many beloved family members and friends. Rolando was deeply cherished by his family, and that love will not fade. His presence, his wisdom, and his love will continue to live on in their hearts. To Rolando: We are so thankful for our time with you, our love for you is more than words and beyond time and space. You are forever with us! The family will receive relatives and friends for visitation at 9:00am Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Funeral Services will begin at 10:00am with Deacon Kevin Knox officiating. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net
Taylor Bros. Funeral Home |
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Connie Simmons, 65, a resident of Van Vleck, passed away at Matagorda General Hospital November 8. Survivors include: 2 aunts, Mrs., Mary Laddie of Van Vleck and Mrs. Lila Franklin of San Francisco. Funeral services will be held Saturday November 11, at 11 am at the Union Baptist Church in Ashwood with Re. Melvin Boone officiating. Interment will be at the Ashwood cemetery in Ashwood. Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home in charge of funeral arrangements.
The Daily Tribune,
November 10, 1972 Courtesy of Faye
Cunningham |
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Kenneth W. Simpson, Sr., 75, of
Danevang, passed away August 4, 2025. He was born in Bay
City on November 4, 1949, to Samuel Simpson, Sr., and
Lucy Mae Smith Simpson.
Triska Funeral Home |
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We are saddened to share that Purney Norris Sims passed away on November 5, 2025. Purney faced some serious health challenges in recent years. She will be missed by those who knew her and loved her. Purney was preceded in death by her daughter, LeKedra Norris and her son, Markist Sims. She leaves to mourn her sister, Alma Davis, daughters Allaceia Stephney and Tara Sims. In addition, a host of beautiful grandchildren and great grandchildren. II Corinthians 5:8 ~ We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. A celebratory balloon release in honor of Purney Sims was held on November 16, 2025, at 4 pm, outside her apartment. We'll gather to share fond memories and look forward to the positive impact she's had on our lives. Refreshments will follow. Join us as we come together to celebrate her life and legacy.
Information from her sister Alma |
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Paul Sipula, age 59 years 8 months 2 days, passed away at the family residence in Van Vleck March 1st, 1943, at 10:30 am. Mr. Sipula is survived by his wife, Mrs. Paul Sipula, two daughters, Mrs. G. W. Coston and Miss Sylvia Sipula of Van Vleck. Funeral services were held Wednesday at 9 am at the Catholic church. Father Elmendorf of the Bay City Catholic Church reading the mass. Burial was in Cedarvale Cemetery with Taylor Bros., in charge of the service.
Daily Tribune, March 4,
1942 Courtesy of Faye Cunningham |
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Norman, Oklahoma - Billie Hayes Spector was born on July 25, 1941, in Wharton, Texas. Her parents were Jimmy and Kathryn Hayes. She peacefully passed away at her home in Norman Oklahoma on September 27th, 2025. She is survived by her sons, Stephen and David, daughter-in-law Felicia, granddaughter Cooper, her twin sister Sallie, Brother-in-law Larry McBrier, niece and nephew Marlyn McBrier-Artus and William McBrier. She was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Robert M. Spector. Billie grew up in New Gulf, Texas. She attended Boling and Palacios High School for Freshman and Sophomore years but graduated from Greenbriar College for Women in Lewisburg West Virginia. She also attended Lamar Institute of Technology in Beaumont, Texas where she met her future husband of 42 years. As a lab technician she helped Robert through medical school, and they moved to Norman Oklahoma in 1974 where he began his career as a General Surgeon. In Norman, she was known for her philanthropic work particularly her time volunteering with the Assistance League, Christmas Connection, PTA and the Boy Scouts. She loved Gardening and always planted to attract Monarch butterflies and Hummingbirds. After the death of Robert in 2005, she designed her own home in The Bungalows cul-de-sac. Her sense of taste set the tone for making it one of the best neighborhoods in Norman. A memorial service honoring her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Dr. Robert Spector memorial Scholarship fund at Norman Regional Health Foundation, or the charity of your choice. https://p2p.onecause.com/nrhfoundation/donate
Palacios Beacon, October 8,
2025 |
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Willie Lee Spradley, 88, of the Boling- Wharton Community born May 9, 1936 to Ora Lena Daniels and Willie Spradley, received her wings on June 26, 2024. Her visitation will be Fri July 5th 2-6p at Matthews Funeral Home. Willie's Celebration Service will be Sat July 6th 11am at Union Baptist Church in Pledger. She will be laid to rest at Union Baptist Church Cemetery in Pledger. Most precious memories entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home of Wharton 979-532-2715.
Matthews Funeral Home, Wharton, Texas |
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Barbara Cecilia Staff, 80, of Bay City passed away August 6, 2025. She was born November 22, 1944 to the late Michael Henkes and Helen Hahn Henkes. Barbara received an Associate's Degree from Alvin Community College. She worked as a pre-K teacher and center manager for WSS Tri County Headstart in Bay City and Van Vleck for 32 years. Her first and foremost love was Jesus. Barbara was a devout Catholic who regularly attended daily mass at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Bay City. If you asked her to pray for you, rest assured she did so unwaveringly. She was a great listener, amazing storyteller, and gave the best advice. She was an avid sports fan who cheered faithfully for her BC Black Cats, Houston Astros, and Houston Texans. Second to Jesus, her family was her greatest love. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, playing games and gathering for meals. She took pride in cooking the individual dishes everyone loved, but especially her banana pudding and apple strudel. Barbara lived life to the fullest and still exuded her sense of humor until her last day on earth. She saw the goodness in every individual and once you met her you were automatically considered family. Though, she is no longer with us on this earth, her legacy of love and family tradition will live on. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Louise Force. Survivors include her husband Anton Staff Jr; daughters Kim Nettles (Robert) and Klarissa Mitchell (Brandon); sons Kevin Staff, Keith Staff (Davina) and Kyle Staff (Talissa); grandchildren Christopher Nettles (Hannah), Cody Nettles (Brooke), Jonathan Staff (Natasha), Ryan Staff (Tisha), Tiffany Frick, Kayla Staff (Nick), Blake Staff (Kellsey), Colton Staff (Briana), Dylan Staff (Alisha), Jordan Staff, Ty Staff, Madison Mitchell, Reid Mitchell, Hunter Staff, and Rylie Staff and 13 great grandchildren. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM Monday, August 11, 2025, at Holy Cross Catholic Church. A rosary will be recited at 9:30 AM followed by Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM with Rev. Stephen Vacek officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers will be Christopher Nettles, Cody Nettles, Jonathan Staff, Ryan Staff, Blake Staff, Colton Staff, Dylan Staff, Jordan Staff, Ty Staff, Reid Mitchell, and Hunter Staff. In lieu of flowers, Barbara wished to have donations in her name to Holy Cross Catholic School or Church.
Taylor Bros. Funeral Home |
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E. A. Stafford of this city passed away Monday evening at 6 o’clock at the hospital in Port Arthur. Services will be conducted from the Walker-Matchett Funeral Home Wednesday morning at 10:30.
Daily Tribune, August 5,
1941 Courtesy of Faye Cunningham |
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Harlan “Chip” Young Stephens born June 15, 1963, in El Paso, Texas, went to be with the Lord on July 27, 2025, in Bay City, Texas. Chip is survived by his mother, Charlene Main, and his father Samuel Stephens (deceased 9/2/2013); his son Josh Stephens (Holly); his daughters, Breanna and Melissa; his brother, Val Jene Howard (Imelda); and sisters Sonya Stephens Rodriguez (Ernest) and Aldora Howard Thackeray (Glenn). He was uncle to Dana Howard Kimmey (Anthony) and Melissa Howard Siptack (Josh); Nicole Rodriguez Williams (Daryl), Henry and Eli Rodriguez; Faith Thackeray (deceased 6/21/96); Bridget Thackeray Muniz (Albert) and Beverly Thackeray Lacko (Robert). He was great-uncle to Jaxton and Meredith Siptack; Nicole, Caleb and Kaitlin Kimmey; Cloud Rodriguez; Alexis, Ernest and Mariella Teague; Alberto Muniz, Gene and Glenn Strickland; Luc (Brianna) and Marc Thackeray Lacko, Valery Lacko; Tassianna Thackeray Makris (Jared) and Great-Great uncle to twins Ellie and Annie Thackeray and baby Micah Adam Makris (3 months-old), and Cousins Lance Goodman (Tammy) and Lexee (Dennis), and Shanna Hansen (Dar-deceased) - his aunt Karen Goodman and uncle Pete “Sonny” Hansen (deceased). We can’t forget his best child-hood friend, Ed Stuck, aka Little Ed – aka YoYo. Chip had a heart for his country and served in the Navy, in the Army; with NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration); and worked with the Army Corp of Engineers, working as a lock operator. Here he received an award for saving a capsized boat containing four duck hunters. We will all truly miss this very bright little brother in Christ. From us to God’s arms. Amen. Services to commence on September 5, 2025 at 10 a.m. at the VFW Post 2438, 1672 TX-60, Bay City, Texas 77414.
Taylor Bros. Funeral Home |
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Jay Paul Stewart made the most of the dash that was his life. His titles and accomplishments were many, and he fulfilled each of them with integrity, kindness, loyalty, and love for his countless friends and family. A proud graduate of Texas A&M University, Class of 1985, Jay lived his values fully and quietly, letting his character speak for itself. Jay is survived by his beloved wife, Leah Stewart; his parents, Jimmie and Jeanette Stewart; his sister, Jane Ann Stewart; and the pride and joy of his life, his daughter, Elisabeth Jane Stewart. Jay faced a lengthy illness with courage and grace, passing away on January 30 in Fredericksburg, Texas. The family will honor and celebrate Jay’s life at a later date. Jay’s legacy, carried forward by those who knew and loved him, is simple and lasting: he was a good man. Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www.schaetter.com Funeral arrangements under the direction of the Schaetter Funeral Home.
Schaetter Funeral Home |
